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Granite is one of the most frequently used materials in bathrooms today, and black is one of the most frequently used colors in granite. Black granite is one of the more durable varieties of granite, making it ideal for wet areas such as a bathroom. The color is extremely versatile, allowing many different design decisions to take place in the room. No matter whether your black granite is on the floor, the walls or the countertop, there are numerous ways you can decorate the space to coordinate.

Color Scheme

One of the most classic bathroom design color schemes is black and white. With black granite already in place in the room, this opens the door to using a black and white color scheme in the space. Options for this include using white fixtures, a white vanity, a white mirror directly above a black granite vanity for contrast, using black and white patterned wallpaper or using a black and white tiled floor. If the walls are being tiled as well, they can be done in white subway tiles with a black granite mosaic border to tie in the two areas and create a classic bathroom design.

Secondary Colors

If stark black and white doesn't work in your home, there are secondary colors that can also work with black granite. One of these is gray, which makes the transition from black to white and helps to soften the stark contrast between the two. Another color is bronze, which allows colors like gold and chocolate brown to join the color scheme as well. Using metallic tones with the black granite may include using a metal sink in a black granite counter or using metallic paint on the vanity. If the granite you are using is not Absolute Black granite, but Black Galaxy, Magma or Purple Boreal, pick up a secondary color from within the granite itself to use on the walls, for towel colors or as a tile border. For example, Magma and Black Galaxy both contain multiple tones of gold, bronze and copper, all of which work well with black.

Period Style

Black in bathroom design can work well in several different period styles, but works best in classic style bathrooms from the 20s, as well as in more contemporary style bathrooms. If the granite is confined to such areas as the countertop or the tub deck, the bathroom could be done in a 20s style. This would include using a black and white mosaic floor, white sink white chrome faucets, black and white walls that include tile to approximately chest height topped with a patterned wallpaper. If the granite is installed on the floor or on the walls, a more contemporary design may be in order. Consider using a floating vanity in a stainless steel, with stainless fixtures and faucets to complete the look. Install additional lighting in the bath to keep it from getting too dark.

Wood Tones

If you're using the black granite in a bathroom that has a vanity, don't be afraid to bring in some natural wood tones to the bathroom along with the other colors. This will help to open up the color palette for coordinating items, including towels, curtains and rugs. Black granite can work equally well with a medium-toned wood that has a stain picking up the grain of the wood, and with lighter toned woods, such as clear maple. To tie in the vanity to the rest of the design, either pick up a lighter color in a dark vanity, such as a cherry or bronze color, or a complementary color to a lighter vanity, such as a pale blue with a clear maple. Use this color on the walls, and choose a darker shade for accents to complete the look.

About the Author

Sarabeth Asaff has worked in and has written about the home improvement industry since 1995. She has written numerous articles on art, interior design and home improvements, specializing in kitchen and bathroom design. A member in good standing with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Asaff has working knowledge of all areas of home design.